Protected Species Observer - Newport, RI (Land Based)

AIS Inc•Newport, RI

10d•Onsite

About The Position

AIS is recruiting protected species observers to observe the monitoring and exclusion zones around noise producing operations and implement protective measures when necessary. The PSOs will work in a team during nearshore pile driving operations which will be conducted during daylight hours and will an average 8-10 hours of work per PSO per day. This position is expected to start in April 2025 for an estimated 6 to 8 months of work. Candidates will be selected based on their experience identifying protected species.

Requirements

Must have current STCW Basic Safety Training (BST), or GWO or BOSIET training.
Must have current CPR/First Aid certification.
4-year degree with major in biological or geophysical sciences
Must be certified by a physician as fit for sea duty including: Not be susceptible to chronic motion sickness, Ability to live in confined quarters, Ability to tolerate stress, Ability to lift objects up to 30 pounds, Ability to vigilantly monitor waters surrounding observation platform/vessel for up to 4 hours at a time and not more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period.
Must have passed an approved PSO course/training and provide certificate
Must be NMFS approved PSO (must provide NMFS approval letter)
Must possess a current real ID approved identification
Must not be affiliated with any group that may impair the objectivity or the appearance of objectivity
Must have proof of eligibility to work within the US.

Nice To Haves

Candidates will be selected based on their experience identifying protected species.

Responsibilities

Identify marine animals using the naked eye and visual technology.
Ability to vigilantly monitor for visual detections of marine mammals around observation location for up to 10 hours in a 24-hour period.
Documenting behavior and other essential data
Documenting data on logs in an organized manner
Operate and maintain field equipment including Garmin GPS, binoculars with reticles, BigEye binoculars, range finder, and high-resolution digital camera with video capabilities.
Conduct personal QA/QC checks on data collected.
Attend daily toolbox, HSE and project related meetings as needed.